Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's prolific spinner, has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by equaling the record for most 'Player of the Series' awards. His stellar performance in the recently concluded Test series against Bangladesh earned him his 11th such accolade, drawing him level with Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan.However, a recent revelation by the Indian Express has shed light on an administrative oversight that could have seen Ashwin break the record even earlier. During India's tour of the West Indies in 2023, Ashwin's exceptional performance with both bat and ball went unrecognized when the 'Player of the Series' award was inexplicably omitted.India emerged victorious in the two-match Test series, with Ashwin emerging as the standout performer. His tally of 15 wickets placed him among the frontrunners for the award. However, at the conclusion of the second Test, the award was conspicuously absent.Had Ashwin received the award in the West Indies, he would have equaled Muralitharan's record at that time. The subsequent award against Bangladesh would have then seen him claim the world record.The Indian Express reached out to Cricket West Indies (CWI) for an explanation, but the organization claimed that the award was the responsibility of an Indian agency. However, the agency in question stated that they were only responsible for the commercial aspects of the series, while the 'Man of the Series' award fell under CWI's purview.Despite the administrative error, Ashwin remains on the cusp of history. He will have the opportunity to claim the world record when India takes on New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting October 16. The Indian team will also travel to Australia later in the year for a five-match Test series, and Ashwin's current form suggests that he will be a key member of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad.

India's dominance in Test cricket under Rohit Sharma's leadership has once again been showcased in their emphatic 2-0 series victory over Bangladesh. Despite rain washing out two days of the Kanpur Test, the Indian team displayed their resilience and unwavering determination to secure a comprehensive victory.Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has hailed India's dominance, particularly their ability to maintain their position at the top of the Test rankings. He attributes this success to the team's exceptional skills and their ability to win matches overseas.Raja singled out Ravichandran Ashwin for special praise, recognizing his all-round abilities. Ashwin's century in the first Test and his six wickets in Bangladesh's second innings were crucial in India's victory. Raja believes that Ashwin is an underrated all-rounder whose contributions often go unnoticed.Similarly, Ravindra Jadeja's ability to perform under pressure was also highlighted by Raja. He noted that both Ashwin and Jadeja have shown a remarkable ability to improve their game over time, unlike many Pakistani players who tend to plateau after reaching their peak.Raja attributed India's continued success to the intense competition within the team. He believes that the presence of talented players on the bench keeps the established players motivated and prevents them from becoming complacent.In contrast, Raja expressed concern about the performance of Pakistani players, who often experience a decline in their performance after reaching their peak. He believes that Indian players have a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the team, which contributes to their longevity and success.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran off-spinner, has etched his name in cricket history by equaling the record for Player of the Series awards after India's 2-0 Test series victory over Bangladesh. Ashwin's remarkable partnership with fellow-spinner Ravindra Jadeja has been instrumental in India's success, particularly on home soil.Together, Ashwin and Jadeja have amassed an astonishing 830 Test wickets, with Ashwin claiming the lion's share of 527. Despite the occasional selection dilemma when only one of them is chosen for the playing XI, Ashwin has emphasized that it no longer affects him.However, Ashwin admitted that he used to harbor resentment towards Jadeja when the latter was preferred over him. "It used to bother me at one point of time," Ashwin confessed. "But, it doesn't anymore because the larger goal is at the forefront of my mind."Ashwin went on to praise Jadeja's exceptional all-round abilities, highlighting his status as the second left-arm spinner with 300 Test wickets and over 3000 runs. "If he's the one that has to play, he's the one that has to play and I have complete faith in him," Ashwin stated.Earlier this week, Jadeja became the third Indian cricketer to achieve the rare feat of 3,000 Test runs and 300 Test wickets, joining Ashwin and Kapil Dev in an elite club.Meanwhile, Ashwin has made history by becoming the first bowler to take at least 50 wickets in all three editions of the World Test Championship (WTC). He achieved this milestone during the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, dismissing Shakib Al Hasan for 9.Ashwin, currently ranked as the world's top Test bowler, has taken 50 wickets in just 10 WTC matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in WTC history behind Australia's Nathan Lyon.

Indian cricket team's star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the first bowler to claim at least 50 wickets in all three editions of the World Test Championship (WTC). Ashwin's remarkable feat was achieved on Day 4 of the second Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur, where he dismissed Shakib Al Hasan for 9.As the top-ranked Test bowler in the world, Ashwin has reached the milestone in just 10 matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in WTC history behind Australia's Nathan Lyon. Additionally, Ashwin has equaled Zaheer Khan's record of taking the most wickets in India-Bangladesh Test matches, with both bowlers having claimed 31 wickets each.However, the issue of multiple Test match venues in India has come under scrutiny once again after Day 3 of the Kanpur Test was delayed due to poor drainage at the Green Park stadium. Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the debate, offering both the advantages and disadvantages of the current system.Ashwin believes that having numerous Test venues across India has the benefit of promoting cricket at the grassroots level. "It triggers that sort of urgency and passion among cricketers to be able to come and play for this country," he said. "That is a big positive."He also highlighted how allowing more venues to host Test matches has opened doors for cricketers from diverse regions, nurturing the sport in areas that might otherwise be overlooked. In a country as vast as India, this inclusivity fosters a sense of national pride and opportunity for aspiring players across the nation.However, Ashwin acknowledged the challenges associated with having such a broad range of Test venues. Referring to the drainage issues at the Kanpur ground, he pointed out that certain facilities are critical to hosting a Test match at the highest level. "There are certain requisite ingredients that are important to host a Test match, and these were lacking in Kanpur," he said.Despite the inclusivity and passion generated by having many Test centres, Ashwin also recognized the advantages of having fewer, designated Test venues, similar to what other cricketing nations follow. He cited Australia and England as examples of countries with fixed Test match venues and specific times of the year to host games."We go to Australia, they play India only at five Test centres. They don't play us at the Manuka Oval in Canberra," Ashwin noted. "They won't be very familiar with the conditions. So does England. They have certain select Test centres, and that's where they play. Some of those are only white-ball centres."

Ravichandran Ashwin's stellar performance in the recently concluded India-Bangladesh Test series has sparked a debate about his status as an all-rounder. Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja believes that the 38-year-old Indian spinner deserves more recognition for his all-round abilities.In the two-match series, Ashwin emerged as the highest wicket-taker alongside Jasprit Bumrah, claiming 11 wickets. With the bat, he scored 114 runs at a strike rate of 83.21, including a crucial 113-run knock in the first innings of the Chennai Test. His all-round contributions earned him the 'Player of the Series' award.Raja praised Ashwin's performance, highlighting his ability to score centuries and take wickets consistently. He noted that Ashwin's understated demeanor and lack of drama after his achievements further enhance his value as a team player."He is no less than anyone else," Raja said. "He scores a century at every opportunity, takes wickets at every opportunity, and doesn't show too much pride or make any drama."Raja also acknowledged India's dominance on home soil, stating that Rohit Sharma's side is the strongest team to beat in their own backyard. He added that Bangladesh lacked the capacity to challenge India, making a Test match victory a distant dream for the visitors.The match itself saw Bangladesh resume their innings on day four, with Momimul Haque scoring a century to take their total to 233. India responded with a strong batting performance, declaring on 285/9 thanks to quickfire fifties from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul.India's bowlers then took control, dismissing Bangladesh for 146. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Bumrah shared nine wickets between them. India chased down the target of 95 runs comfortably, with Jaiswal and Virat Kohli leading the way.

Indian cricket's future is in safe hands with the emergence of two exceptional young batting talents: Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Their impressive performances in the recent Test series against Bangladesh have caught the attention of seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who believes they have the potential to become key players for India, particularly in overseas conditions.Jaiswal, with his aggressive yet controlled approach, has quickly become a fan favorite. His ability to dominate bowlers with three fifties in the series showcased the kind of temperament that is vital in the longer format. Gill, on the other hand, has cemented himself as a reliable opener, delivering a strong performance with his century in the first Test, solidifying his growing reputation as a technically sound and adaptable batter.Ashwin, a senior figure in the team, recognized the duo's raw talent but emphasized the need for continuous improvement and evolution. "The raw material is there, and it's evident to everyone that both of them are high-quality players," Ashwin said. "It's just that they need to be able to encounter more and more new experiences and be able to identify for themselves what they need to work on."Both players have already showcased their class in previous outings. In the Test series against England, Jaiswal amassed a staggering 712 runs from nine innings, including two double-hundreds, while Gill followed with 452 runs, averaging 56.50 with two centuries. Their consistency in both home and away conditions has proven that they are ready to take on tougher challenges in the years to come.India's cricketing future looks bright with these young stars leading the charge. Their next big test will come in the upcoming series against New Zealand starting on October 16, followed by the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, beginning on November 22.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has acknowledged the benefits of having a limited number of Test centers for players. However, he refrained from endorsing the idea for India, stating that it was beyond his purview to comment on such matters.The debate on Test centers resurfaced after Kanpur's Green Park stadium faced criticism for its poor drainage system, leading to the loss of two days in the second Test between India and Bangladesh. Virat Kohli, India's star batter, had previously suggested that India should adopt a system similar to Australia and England, which have a limited number of major Test centers.Ashwin acknowledged the advantages of having a select few Test centers, citing the familiarity with conditions and the ability to tailor preparations accordingly. He pointed out that Australia and England have a tradition of playing at specific venues, which allows players to develop a deep understanding of the conditions.However, Ashwin emphasized the importance of having a wide range of venues for Test cricket in India. He highlighted the benefits of fostering cricket talent across the country and the need to invest in essential facilities such as weather-proof infrastructure and proper drainage systems.Regarding the performances of young openers Yashaswi Jaiswal and Shubhman Gill, Ashwin expressed confidence in their potential. He praised their aggressive approach in the truncated second Test, which set the tone for the team's victory.Ashwin also discussed the team's strategy of adopting an ultra-aggressive approach in the second Test. He explained that the plan was to put pressure on the opposition from the outset, which proved successful in securing a quick victory.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has etched his name further into the annals of cricket history by equaling the record for most Player of the Series awards in Test cricket. Ashwin's stellar performance in the recently concluded Test series against Bangladesh earned him the prestigious accolade, bringing his tally to 11, matching the legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.Ashwin's dominance in the series was evident from the outset. In the first Test in Chennai, he played a crucial role with both bat and ball. His magnificent century in the first innings rescued India from a precarious position, while his six wickets in the second innings helped seal a comprehensive victory.In the second Test in Kanpur, Ashwin continued his impressive form, claiming five wickets in the match. His ability to extract turn and bounce from the pitch proved too much for the Bangladeshi batsmen. Ashwin's consistent performances throughout the series earned him the Player of the Series award, a testament to his exceptional skills and match-winning contributions.Ashwin's achievement is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. He has been a key figure in India's Test success in recent years, playing a pivotal role in numerous victories. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart opposing batsmen has made him one of the most respected bowlers in the world.Equaling Muralitharan's record is a significant milestone in Ashwin's illustrious career. Muralitharan, widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, held the record for most Player of the Series awards for over a decade. Ashwin's achievement places him among the elite spinners in the history of the game.As India looks ahead to the upcoming World Test Championship final, Ashwin's experience and skill will be invaluable. His ability to control the game with his spin bowling will be crucial in India's quest for their maiden WTC title.

India's dominance in Test cricket continued as they swept the two-match series against Bangladesh with a comprehensive 7-wicket victory in Kanpur. The win extended India's unbeaten streak at home in Test matches to an impressive 10 years.After two days of rain interruptions, India resumed the fourth day with Bangladesh trailing by 242 runs. The spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, along with pacer Jasprit Bumrah, wreaked havoc on the Bangladesh batting lineup. Ashwin claimed three wickets, while Jadeja and Bumrah took three each as Bangladesh was dismissed for 146 in their second innings.Overnight batter Shadman Islam top-scored for Bangladesh with 50 runs, but his efforts were not enough to prevent India from setting a modest target of 95 runs.In the chase, India lost early wickets but Yashasvi Jaiswal's rapid-fire 51 from 45 balls kept the hosts in control. Rishabh Pant sealed the victory with a boundary, while Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 29.The victory not only gave India a 2-0 series sweep but also strengthened their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. India has now won 12 of their last 14 Test matches, showcasing their dominance in the longest format of the game.